Information Leaflets

Essential information for those trying to get pregnant. What is infertility? What are the common causes of infertility in women and men? When should we seek help? Is there funding available if we need treatment?

Premature ovarian failure (POF) is usually defined as menopause under the age of 40 and occurs in about 1% of women. Before periods totally cease there is often a length of time when periods are irregular or when the follicle stimulating
hormone (FSH) is raised to around 15 to 20 IU.

Endometriosis is a significant cause of infertility, because the woman partner is diagnosed with mild endometriosis in 10% of couples that have difficulty conceiving. This leaflet outlines endometriosis and its impact on fertility.

People experiencing secondary infertility already have one or more children. Difficulty in conceiving a second child may come as a shock, particularly if no problems were experienced before. Learn possible causes and coping mechanisms.

This leaflet outlines the drugs you may be prescribed by your fertility clinic, and what their function is. It also describes Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS) which is the most serious side effect of fertility drugs.

In New Zealand, over 50% of in vitro fertilisation cycles involve Assisted Fertilisation. This leaflet covers medical circumstances suited to ICSI, different ICSI techniques and considerations for those deciding whether to undergo IVF with ICSI.

Why are embryos frozen? When and how does this occur? How are embryos thawed and replaced? The leaflet also address chances of pregnancy success through frozen embryos, and issues to be considered when deciding whether to freeze embryos.

Infertility is not only a physical matter. It brings
with it profound emotional stress. The responses to infertility are often complex and so strong that they can sometimes feel overwhelming. Enlist coping techniques to gain control and minimise the negative impact of infertility.

An infertility counsellor understands both the treatment technology and the range of emotions you may be experiencing. There are many areas where they may be able to assist, and people considering seeing an infertility counsellor should also know the roles that are outside their scope.

This leaflet gives some understanding of the medical and emotional issues inherent to infertility. It also suggests some ways in which you may be able to help a relative or friend who is experiencing infertility.

Infertility can be challenging for couples. There are often differences around men’s and women’s emotional experiences of infertility. Understanding and respecting your partner's perspective is imperative to maintaining your relationship through your fertility journey and beyond.

Ectopic pregnancy is a pregnancy outside the uterus, usually in the fallopian tube. The leaflet includes risk factors for ectopic pregnancy, clinical presentation and diagnosis, modern management of ectopic pregnancies, and future fertility implications.

The loss of your baby early in pregnancy can have a profound effect on you and your partner. Miscarriages are a reality in any fertility programme, although the
use of assisted reproductive technology only slightly increases the chance of miscarriage. The leaflet gives coping techniques for dealin…

The donation of sperm is a generous gift to women who may only achieve a pregnancy by using a donation. Who requires donor sperm and who are the donors? The leaflet outlines the New Zealand legal situation as well as considerations for those thinking about being a donor and using donor sperm.

The donation of eggs is a generous gift to couples who may only achieve a pregnancy by using eggs from another woman. Who requires donor eggs and who are the donors? The leaflet outlines the NZ legal situation as well as considerations for those thinking about being a donor and using donor eggs.

Christmas and events such as Mother's Day can be particularly difficult for people experiencing infertility. Download our new Coping with Christmas & Special Celebrations leaflet for practical tips on dealing with the festive season.